Updated COVID boosters show promise against emerging variants like Pirola

Moderna and Pfizer's updated COVID boosters generated strong antibody responses against the Pirola variant in trials.
The Pirola variant has over 30 mutations and may partially evade immunity from vaccination or prior infection.
The FDA is expected to authorize the updated boosters targeting the XBB.1.5 variant soon.
Cases and hospitalizations are rising in the US, likely driven by XBB lineage viruses rather than Pirola.
More data is still needed on Pirola's transmissibility and severity as it currently accounts for less than 1% of US cases.